Congressman Michael Grimm has turned himself into authorities to face charges. According to NBC New York's sources, "Grimm is believed to be facing charges related to a private business deal that he made prior to being elected to Congress that involved an Upper East Side health food restaurant."
A lawyer for the Staten Island Republican issued a statement last Friday afternoon, trying to get out in front of the scandal, "We are disappointed by the government’s decision, but hardly surprised. From the beginning, the government has pursued a politically driven vendetta against Congressman Grimm and not an independent search for the truth. Congressman Grimm asserts his innocence of any wrongdoing."
While Grimm has been investigated for possible campaign finance issues, these charges are expected to be related to the restaurant Healthalicious. The Washington Post reports, "The charges stem from his ownership of a Manhattan health-food restaurant that has ties to an Israeli fundraiser who served as a liaison between Grimm and a mystic, celebrity rabbi whose followers donated more than $500,000 to Grimm’s campaign in 2010."
The Staten Island Advance spoke to defense attorney Mario Gallucci, who said that Grimm, a former FBI agent, would be processed first—mugshot, fingerprints—before being arraigned: "Gallucci, a veteran of the federal courts, said that he expected the government to seek bail of around $150,000 to $200,000, which could be secured by a bank account or property through what is known as a personal recognizance bond... And Gallucci said that if Grimm were his client, he would advise him to stay at a hotel in Manhattan on Sunday night. That way he could avoid any reporters staked out in front of his home in New Springville."
It's unclear where he surrendered to authorities. Grimm is still planning on running for re-election.
